[EmesiS]

I have been considering buying a 1911 but I don't want an ordinary 1911 so I have been looking at the Wilson Combat KZ-45. I know the KZ series is a departure from the normal 1911 but I like the idea of the polymer frame. I was hoping to hear any feedback on Wilson Combat, specific or general, I want to hear some trustworthy information before I spend 1500.00 on a new .45. Please offer all your experience with Wilson as well I am open to other brands so feel free to advise the best way to get a custom 1911 in the ballpark of 1500.00.
I also want to say that I appreciate the community here and I enjoy reading all the posts and exchange of information. I feel very lucky to be part of this group and I hope to contribute as often as possible.

 

[MrApathy]

why a polymer frame?

I would go with STI frame either 2011 or 1911.
wish someone made a 1911 frame closer to way steyr frames are than 2011. probably have to start changine design quite a bit

if I had the cash would build a STI with full length dust cover and get the slide without the flared slide. more weight on front of the gun should make for interesting shooting less rise hopefully. not many 1911's in that style.

1911 bug is hitting me quite a bit I am looking into building a couple.
not sure what parts to use myself but sorting through and working up a list.

 

[Shooter]

What are going to use it for? IPSC, self defense? .........somehow spending that much money on a Wilson polymer sounds....... :? Wilson's are gorgious in metal....I like the STI advice better......if you really want polymer and think you can shoot a Wilson better then a Kimber...... :wink: I'd save money and buy a Kimber.....my brother has the Kimber polymer/stainless and it shoots easily one inch groups from ten yards with ease.....I like the firing pin safety better on the Kimber......but its not an STI.......that's classy 8)

 

[armored]

why a polymer frame?

I would go with STI frame either 2011 or 1911.
wish someone made a 1911 frame closer to way steyr frames are than 2011. probably have to start changine design quite a bit

if I had the cash would build a STI with full length dust cover and get the slide without the flared slide. more weight on front of the gun should make for interesting shooting less rise hopefully. not many 1911's in that style.

1911 bug is hitting me quite a bit I am looking into building a couple.
not sure what parts to use myself but sorting through and working up a list.

Why not check out the Les Baer Monolith. It has a full length dust cover and can be bought with a extra heavy option. You can also get it I believe in a 6" model. To REALLY squezze out the performance there is the 1 1/2" guarentee at 50 yards model!

 

[Shooter]

What's the price of a Baer???

 

[sasops]

For a defensive handgun, you can't go wrong with a Wilson 1911 in any of their formats . The KZ is an excellent polymer frame variant that has a grip virtually identical to the single stack.

 

[tglahn17]

Hi, EmesiS,

If you have around $1,500 to spend on a 1911, you should look at the Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911. I just got one in satin stainless finish. The MSRP on these is around $2,100, but I got mine NIB from http://www.budsgunshop.com for $1,462. This is a totally awesome piece. The slide and frame are hand fitted. The trigger is amazing. It's as crisp and precise as the cliched glass rod breaking. As much as I like my Steyr M9A1, the trigger pull on the Steyr feels like paddling through oatmeal compared with the trigger pull on the PC1911. Some purists don't like the Smith & Wesson 1911s because of their external extractors. Based on the superb reliability of my M9A1, the external extractor was one of the reasons why I got the PC1911 instead of some other make. So far, my PC1911 has been 100% reliable and deadly accurate. Here's a review of the PC1911 http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/peak_011805/ Good luck,

 

[nixon]

Hi Emesis,
I second the motion tglahn17 suggestion. S&W PC 1911 is a superbly made gun by the performance center people at SW. I I have the money that you have, there's no doubt in my mind I will get the PC 1911. I've read a number of postings about it in the SW forum and I believe they're honestly written. Being a 1911 guy myself, I know that the performance center has a very good reputation in building excellent handguns the PC 1911 is no exception.
Good Luck
Nixon

 

[flyandscuba]

Want a polymer 45? Get an HK Tactical from CDNN for $890. I did, and I have to say I've been impressed:

Plus, it was a good excuse to get a suppressor! :lol:

 

[tglahn17]

Whoa,

Awesome shooting flyandscuba. I recall you have an absolute arsenal of P7s. It appears that HKs agree with you. Later,

 

[nixon]

flyandscuba,
did u shoot that with the suppressor ? I wonder how far was your target ? also wondering if the model w/o the suppressor will shoot that way ? very nice shooting. Please reply
nixon

 

[flyandscuba]

nixon,

That target was from my first range session with the Tactical 45 -- before I had purchased the suppressor.

I was shooting at the Bass Pro range in Davie, FL -- standing -- slow fire -- at 10 yards.

I've used the suppressor only to experience what it sounded like -- and for functionality with the pistols -- not yet for accuracy. Next time I take it to the range, I'll see if the suppressor installed affects the accuracy.

 

[armored]

What's the price of a Baer???

Check with Becky at http://www.sportingarms.com

I believe that around $1600 will get you the Monolith. I have my eyes on the Premier II with 1 1/2" option around $1700. About $1350 with the standard 3" at 50yard model. A LOT of gun for the money!

 

[EmesiS]

Thanks for all the feedback; I am now rethinking my choices and re-examining my motivation for wanting a 1911. I realized I had wanted the KZ-45 because it didn't use the 'Single Stack' magazine. I had made up my mind that I needed a greater magazine capacity than the single stack offered but when I considered why I really wanted a 1911 I remembered its long and legendary service history. After looking at some of the tradtional, single stack 1911's I realized that anything other than the traditional single stack config is a variation from the legendary, near perfect design.
I have a Winchester Model 94 that has been in my family since it was new about 85 years ago and is in perfect working order, and in my opinion far surperior to the Model 94's being sold all over these days. I decided I wanted a 1911 that could offer the same legacy. While I would like to buy a Wilson Combat single stack they exceed my budget a bit so I have really been looking hard the the STI models. I have come the the opinion that I can confidently buy from any of the gunmakers listed in the above posts and get a pistol that will last a lifetime. I appreciate all the information and I hope to hear more advice and experiences.

Thanks

 

[MrApathy]

they do have 8 and 10 round magazines for 1911.
10 rounders dont look as bad with a magwell added

 

[flyandscuba]

Another option -- is to consider a Para Ordnance Hi-Cap 1911-style pistol.

I picked up one recently for less than $650 -- a P14.45 Limited. It's only gone to the range with me one time -- but it performed well:

 

[MrApathy]

nice Para for less than $650 you did well. my only gripe with doublestack 1911's is price of mags. around $50 a piece though can find some cheaper depends on the doublestack setup 2-3 different ones.

1911 parts list
Barrel
Barrel Bushing
Barrel Link
Barrel Link Pin
Disconnector
Ejector
Ejector Pin
Extractor
Firing Pin
Firing Pin Spring
Firing Pin Stop
Grip Bushings
Grip Screws
Grip Safety
Grips
Guide Rod
Guide Rod Plug
Hammer
Hammer Link Pin
Hammer Pin
Hammer Strut
Magazine Catch Lock
Magazine Catch Spring
Magazine Catch/Release
Mainspring
Mainspring Cap
Mainspring Cap Pin
Mainspring Housing
Mainspring Housing Pin
Mainspring Plunger Detent
Plunger Spring
Plunger Tube
Recoil Spring
Sear
Sear Pin
Sear Spring
Slide Stop
Thumb Safety
Trigger

41 different parts add 8 for 4 grip screws 4 and bushings

pistol with nothing but the best parts will run around $1600
Wilson Combat or Ed Brown parts. maybe some EGW,STI and certainly some others.

 

[Shooter]

Nice gun, nice shooting off-hand........... 8-O

 

[hedrok]

You might also look at a SIG GSR Revolution....An American assembled collection of some pretty fine components. Lots of finishes including Nitron; great trigger and designed to be something pretty close to the customs........MSRP around 1050.....can be bought for 850-900.
I'm VERY happy with mine.

 

[SELFDEFENSE]

Steyr .45, Steyr .45, Steyr .45,............ [-o<